Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Chronic Renal Failure at the Departmental University Hospital of Borgou and Alibori (CHUD/B-A) in Parakou (Benin)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains underestimated in Africa, and particularly in Benin. Epidemiological data from different countries show a growing prevalence. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of chronic renal failure at the Departmental University Hospital of Borgou and l’Alibori (CHUD/B-A) in Parakou. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the nephrology department of CHUD/B-A over 6 years from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2022, involving chronic kidney disease patients with or without hemodialysis admitted to the nephrology department of CHUD/B-A. CKD was diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Classification of Chronic Kidney Diseases (KDIGO 2012). All patients meeting the inclusion criteria had been retained in the study. Data were analyzed using R 4.3.1 software. The mean with standard deviation was determined for quantitative variables. Qualitative variables were expressed as a proportion. The hospital prevalence of chronic renal failure was 55.2%. The prevalence of end-stage CKD was 72%. The mean age (SD) of patients was 50 years (±14.9) [13 and 90 years]. Of these, 67% were male and 54.5% had no schooling or primary education. Hypertensives accounted for 58.6% of the sample, and 41.2% of patients were self-medicating. Most patients were seen in the context of an altered general condition. The main reason for consultation was asthenia. Biological disturbances were dominated by anemia (90.7%). The main drug groups used were antihypertensives (22.2%). Almost one case in four (24.5%) required hemodialysis. In conclusion, a reduction in unconventional therapeutic practices (self-medication and phytotherapy) is necessary to reduce its prevalence.